When it comes to primary prevention, we are COMPLETELY missing the mark!
Before, during and immediately after pregnancy, we have an extraordinary opportunity to impact our children’s long-term health through our very own diet!
That’s right, the saying, “eating for two” is literal! And not only does a baby receiving nutrients from mom’s diet, but he or she is actually metabolizing mom’s diet as well, and in doing so, programming its own future metabolism accordingly. This phenomenon, known as “metabolic programming”, once helped prepare the offspring of our ancestors to survive in the world in which it would soon be born into, which for millions of years was that of scarcity. But despite our changed food environment (to that of plenty!), the phenomenon of fetal programming and “preparing” our babies to survive in the world it, too, will be born into – and “tweaking” its own metabolism accordingly – the same metabolism that govern their future health.
This could be a scary thought for many expectant mothers, especially because pregnancy in general can be incredibly challenging! From morning sickness and aversions to powerful cravings and insatiable appetites, it could feel as though many of our food choices are being driven by forces outside of our control. But this doesn’t have to feel scary – especially if you go into it with a plan. The realization of the impact that our pregnancy diet has on our baby’s future health is empowering! Every food decision can be mindful, impactful and long-lasting based on what we now know: Pregnancy IS primary prevention! But a PLAN is key! Check out our pregnancy plans on the home page, and select yours today!